Margaret Thatcher made unique impression on modern British politics: Vaz

London: Former Premier Margaret Thatcher made a unique and lasting impression on modern British politics, Indian-origin Labour MP Keith Vaz said here on Tuesday.

Noting that she was the first British Prime Minister he questioned in the Parliament, Vaz, the Chairman of the Home Affairs committee said, "She was an iconic female leader who made a name for Britain and ran the country for 11 years."

"I was the only Indian-origin MP to question her in the House of Commons and she always treated me with the utmost courtesy. My condolences go out to her family at this sad time," Vaz said.

Rami Ranger, Co-Founder of the British Asian Conservative Link, said, "Baroness Thatcher was unique in her resolve and determination for Britain. She was rightly called the `Iron Lady` who fought for Britain`s interest in Europe and beyond and succeeded."

"She stood for the right of the people of the Falkland Islands when many in her position would have capitulated to the Argentinean dictator," he said, adding, "It was due to her economic policies that turned Britain from a sick man of Europe to the most prosperous country."

She was a visionary who believed in human nature and wanted responsibilities shifted from the state to the individual, Ranger said.

Another Indian-origin MP, Shailesh Vara described Thatcher as a "colossus on the world stage."

"Margaret Thatcher was a colossus on the world stage. She became Prime Minister at a time when Britain`s international standing was at a low ebb and by sheer force of personality she dragged Britain up from its knees and made it a world power again.

"She took on the might of the Unions, rescued the country`s economy and always put Britain first in all her dealings. On a personal note, it was a privilege to have known her and I will never forget the day when she campaigned for me in Northampton, in the 2001 General Election.

"The world`s media were in attendance on that day and she brought the town to a standstill. She had not lost her charm. Not a bit of it. Margaret Thatcher has left a very firm imprint in the history books. She was a truly remarkable woman."